Anti-Trust. That makes me think of how I don't trust President Obama...I'm Anti-Trust. Ha ha ha?
Actually, hearing "anti-trust" makes me think of the Sherman Anti-Trust Act all those years ago, being the A.P. U.S. History nerd that I am. When I read an article about the White House's potential interest in the Bowl Championship Series of college football and how it may violate antitrust laws, I guffawed - almost. Why would President Obama and his administration waste their time dealing with this kind of trivial matter, when we are in millions, billions, of dollars of debt and are dealing with terrorists who want to kill us?
The issue supposedly being considered is supposed to be about how the method of determining championship teams is not fair. Instead of doing it by ratings, the selection should be based off of playoff games, perhaps like the NFL playoffs. Well, whether this is true or not, I don't think this is quite the right time to make a fuss about it. I don't like the overtime method of the NFL where the first team to score wins, but I don't think I'm going to write angry letters to the NFL and to the government to make some kind of drastic change. It's sports. What's more important, national security or sports? Yes, I would say national security might be a little higher up on my list.
But speaking of football, how about them Indianapolis Colts in the Superbowl next Sunday, ay?
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
The Past Few Weeks (1)
I've read many articles in the past few weeks, and I thought I might share a few with you. They're quite interesting, in my humble opinion. Here's the first one.
I would like to extend my congratulations to Santa Clara County Superior Court judge, Lucy Koh, for her nomination to the San Jose federal bench by President Obama. Her political views and such aside, as I'm not quite fully informed of her political past, she has accomplished much in her life thus far not only for herself, but for all Asian-Americans. As an Asian-American myself, I feel that she has made one more step for the entire community. I wish her luck in her endeavors!
More info on Judge Koh.
I would like to extend my congratulations to Santa Clara County Superior Court judge, Lucy Koh, for her nomination to the San Jose federal bench by President Obama. Her political views and such aside, as I'm not quite fully informed of her political past, she has accomplished much in her life thus far not only for herself, but for all Asian-Americans. As an Asian-American myself, I feel that she has made one more step for the entire community. I wish her luck in her endeavors!
More info on Judge Koh.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
State of the Union 2010
Well...that was a rather long speech by President Obama.
Due to academic obligations, I was not able to hear/watch the entire speech, but I heard a portion of it via satellite radio.
From what I heard, it appeared to be quite redundant and mundane. I could immediately see the gist of it all just by listening for approximately 25 minutes. The goals that Obama has set for himself and for the United States are questionable. But the real question is this: will he be able to achieve these goals?
From the beginning of his presidential career in the campaign of '08, Obama has used the slogan of "Change." He promised many things and has done many things so far in his first year in office. Some good, some bad. He emphasized the economy and health care reform. He particularly struggled to establish some kind of connection with his audience (i.e. the American citizens), claiming that he understood their pain. That's quite impossible at this time, since Obama is living the life as President of the United States, flying private jets, staying in the White House, planning extravagant vacations, golfing 24/7...need I go on? I didn't really feel that he was being quite as sincere as he should have been while making the point that he was just one of us, one of the citizens of America - no better or worse.
Many analysts on the political television news stations have noted that Obama did not really "pivot," as they so choose to call it, meaning that he stuck to what he knew about. Economy. Health care reform. There was no mention about Guantanamo Bay, the attempted bombing at the airport over Christmas, etc. Instead, he chose to talk about things such as abolishing the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy in the military about homosexuality, claiming that people should be open about these things. Personally, I like the "Don't ask, don't tell" idea because it prevents many unnecessary problems. There is no need for a homosexual person to openly say he/she is gay/lesbian, just as straight people don't go around saying, "I'm not gay! I'm straight!" Why yes, thank you. Nobody cares. You're all doing the same thing - honorably serving your country. Everyone understands that, there is no need to bring your sexual orientation into it. Goodness.
I also am horrified that Obama would like another stimulus package...Did the first one even work that well? I'm just saying.
I don't think anybody really understands what Obama even plans to do! It's all so confusing...I'm pretty sure even Obama, himself, doesn't know what he wants to do.
See how much I can say just by listening to 25 minutes of Obama's speech?
I hope you all tuned into the State of the Union earlier tonight, too.
P.S. According to Fox News contributors, Obama said "I" 96 times and "me" 18 times.
Just an interesting tidbit.
Due to academic obligations, I was not able to hear/watch the entire speech, but I heard a portion of it via satellite radio.
From what I heard, it appeared to be quite redundant and mundane. I could immediately see the gist of it all just by listening for approximately 25 minutes. The goals that Obama has set for himself and for the United States are questionable. But the real question is this: will he be able to achieve these goals?
From the beginning of his presidential career in the campaign of '08, Obama has used the slogan of "Change." He promised many things and has done many things so far in his first year in office. Some good, some bad. He emphasized the economy and health care reform. He particularly struggled to establish some kind of connection with his audience (i.e. the American citizens), claiming that he understood their pain. That's quite impossible at this time, since Obama is living the life as President of the United States, flying private jets, staying in the White House, planning extravagant vacations, golfing 24/7...need I go on? I didn't really feel that he was being quite as sincere as he should have been while making the point that he was just one of us, one of the citizens of America - no better or worse.
Many analysts on the political television news stations have noted that Obama did not really "pivot," as they so choose to call it, meaning that he stuck to what he knew about. Economy. Health care reform. There was no mention about Guantanamo Bay, the attempted bombing at the airport over Christmas, etc. Instead, he chose to talk about things such as abolishing the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy in the military about homosexuality, claiming that people should be open about these things. Personally, I like the "Don't ask, don't tell" idea because it prevents many unnecessary problems. There is no need for a homosexual person to openly say he/she is gay/lesbian, just as straight people don't go around saying, "I'm not gay! I'm straight!" Why yes, thank you. Nobody cares. You're all doing the same thing - honorably serving your country. Everyone understands that, there is no need to bring your sexual orientation into it. Goodness.
I also am horrified that Obama would like another stimulus package...Did the first one even work that well? I'm just saying.
I don't think anybody really understands what Obama even plans to do! It's all so confusing...I'm pretty sure even Obama, himself, doesn't know what he wants to do.
See how much I can say just by listening to 25 minutes of Obama's speech?
I hope you all tuned into the State of the Union earlier tonight, too.
P.S. According to Fox News contributors, Obama said "I" 96 times and "me" 18 times.
Just an interesting tidbit.
Friday, January 22, 2010
This and That
Dear Secretary Clinton,
Why do you seek to get so entangled in the debacle between Google.cn and China. Google and China will work things out on their own. I don't think that China's cyber attack on Google calls for an international invention.
Thank you.
- Ashtyn.
That was my short shout-out to Hillary Clinton.
Moving on.
I am still enjoying the Republican victory in Massachusetts as I gloat amongst my many liberal friends. I'm more intrigued by the fact that Obama is suddenly attacking Wall Street and banks, blaming them for everything that has gone wrong financially in the U.S. in the past couple of years. He says they out to repay us (by us, I mean those who pay taxes) for wasting taxpayers' money. In my opinion, Obama already wasted a lot of money with his stimulus bill (a not-so-effective attempt to help the economy) so...let's not delve into that pond.
But perhaps the world will wake up and realize we don't need universal health care! We aren't socialist or communist, people. Really. We're not Canada, and we're not France. Voters of America, wake up!
Just wait until I can vote...You'll see me at all the campaign rallies!
Enjoy the weekend, readers.
Why do you seek to get so entangled in the debacle between Google.cn and China. Google and China will work things out on their own. I don't think that China's cyber attack on Google calls for an international invention.
Thank you.
- Ashtyn.
That was my short shout-out to Hillary Clinton.
Moving on.
I am still enjoying the Republican victory in Massachusetts as I gloat amongst my many liberal friends. I'm more intrigued by the fact that Obama is suddenly attacking Wall Street and banks, blaming them for everything that has gone wrong financially in the U.S. in the past couple of years. He says they out to repay us (by us, I mean those who pay taxes) for wasting taxpayers' money. In my opinion, Obama already wasted a lot of money with his stimulus bill (a not-so-effective attempt to help the economy) so...let's not delve into that pond.
But perhaps the world will wake up and realize we don't need universal health care! We aren't socialist or communist, people. Really. We're not Canada, and we're not France. Voters of America, wake up!
Just wait until I can vote...You'll see me at all the campaign rallies!
Enjoy the weekend, readers.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Party in the USA
Why yes, my title does come from the title of tween pop sensation Miley Cyrus' top single - but that's besides the point.
It really is a "Party in the U.S.A." for many Conservatives, as the senator-elect of Massachusetts is Scott Brown, a Republican. I'm assuming President Obama, who described himself as merely "surprised" at this GOP victory, and most Democrats are upset at this sudden turnout of things.
Let's think about some possible reasons for candidate Martha Coakley's loss in the election:
1) Perhaps people have realized that President Obama isn't doing such a hot job in the presidency and the Democratic Party along with him.
2) Maybe it was President Obama's lousy attempt to help Coakley's campaign by making ridiculous and nonsensical "truck" jokes. (When I typed in the search terms "Obama truck jokes," the first hit was from the Boston cragislist.com that read "Hey Obama You Crackhead..Wanna Make Some More Pickup Truck Jokes ? (Independence Mo )." I am extremely amused.)
3) Did Coakley's devastating loss have anything to do with her overwhelmingly negative campaign ads that only ranted on Brown's failures and inadequacy instead of focusing on her own positive attributes?
Also, why would Massachusetts want to vote for a person who would support the Health Care Reform Bill in Congress, when the people of Massachusetts already have their own form of statewide health care coverage? I'm pretty sure people don't need double the health care...Do they?
This victory is only the beginning. It is the first of many more victories to come. Scary, no? >=]
It really is a "Party in the U.S.A." for many Conservatives, as the senator-elect of Massachusetts is Scott Brown, a Republican. I'm assuming President Obama, who described himself as merely "surprised" at this GOP victory, and most Democrats are upset at this sudden turnout of things.
Let's think about some possible reasons for candidate Martha Coakley's loss in the election:
1) Perhaps people have realized that President Obama isn't doing such a hot job in the presidency and the Democratic Party along with him.
2) Maybe it was President Obama's lousy attempt to help Coakley's campaign by making ridiculous and nonsensical "truck" jokes. (When I typed in the search terms "Obama truck jokes," the first hit was from the Boston cragislist.com that read "Hey Obama You Crackhead..Wanna Make Some More Pickup Truck Jokes ? (Independence Mo )." I am extremely amused.)
3) Did Coakley's devastating loss have anything to do with her overwhelmingly negative campaign ads that only ranted on Brown's failures and inadequacy instead of focusing on her own positive attributes?
Also, why would Massachusetts want to vote for a person who would support the Health Care Reform Bill in Congress, when the people of Massachusetts already have their own form of statewide health care coverage? I'm pretty sure people don't need double the health care...Do they?
This victory is only the beginning. It is the first of many more victories to come. Scary, no? >=]
Sunday, January 17, 2010
The Curse of the Devil - Scary
Yes, I know it's been a couple of days since this incident happened, but I'd just like to point out that not all Christians are like "TV Evangelist" Pat Robertson.
It's people like Robertson who makes the rest of the world think that Christians are crazy people who want to convert everyone. That's really not the case. Personal feelings aside, Robertson is a dunce - bottom line. First of all, in such a time of crisis as this, why on EARTH would you say that the affected country is "cursed?" According to Gulf-Daily News, Roberton told his audience that "something happened a long time ago in Haiti, and people might not want to talk about it... they were under the heel of the French and got together and swore a pact to the devil. They said, we will serve you and you'll get us free from the French. And so the devil said, OK, it's a deal. But ever since they've been cursed. But it may be a blessing in disguise."
They did not swear a pact with the devil to rise against the French. They were just fed up with French tyranny in Haiti, so all the slaves rebelled and they became free. Where does this "curse" nonsense come from?
Just goes to show you that there are always extremists, no matter what the religion or belief.
It's people like Robertson who makes the rest of the world think that Christians are crazy people who want to convert everyone. That's really not the case. Personal feelings aside, Robertson is a dunce - bottom line. First of all, in such a time of crisis as this, why on EARTH would you say that the affected country is "cursed?" According to Gulf-Daily News, Roberton told his audience that "something happened a long time ago in Haiti, and people might not want to talk about it... they were under the heel of the French and got together and swore a pact to the devil. They said, we will serve you and you'll get us free from the French. And so the devil said, OK, it's a deal. But ever since they've been cursed. But it may be a blessing in disguise."
They did not swear a pact with the devil to rise against the French. They were just fed up with French tyranny in Haiti, so all the slaves rebelled and they became free. Where does this "curse" nonsense come from?
Just goes to show you that there are always extremists, no matter what the religion or belief.
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Wednesday, January 13, 2010
The Music Man
We should start calling President Obama the most inspirational man of 2009!
I'm rather amused that there's going to be a musical called "Hope — the Obama Musical Story" opening in Germany. What on EARTH has Obama done to deserve a musical to be written in his honor? Oh, right, his Nobel Peace Prize. Oh wait, why did he win that again? I can't remember.
Then, as I'm clicking on the homepage icon of iTunes, I see a rather large picture of President Obama on the main page with the words "By the People: For the People," the soundtrack to the major motion picture "By the People: The Election of Barack Obama." Really. There's a movie too? And a soundtrack?
What is going on?! What has he done to benefit this world in such an enormous way that he deserves all this attention? He's not a celebrity people. He's the president of the United States. Let's let him do his job and bring back all our troops like he promised and end all this fighting - then perhaps I'll go see this movie. Maybe I'll even fly to Frankfurt to see his musical!
Haha.
Haha.
Not so much.
I'm rather amused that there's going to be a musical called "Hope — the Obama Musical Story" opening in Germany. What on EARTH has Obama done to deserve a musical to be written in his honor? Oh, right, his Nobel Peace Prize. Oh wait, why did he win that again? I can't remember.
Then, as I'm clicking on the homepage icon of iTunes, I see a rather large picture of President Obama on the main page with the words "By the People: For the People," the soundtrack to the major motion picture "By the People: The Election of Barack Obama." Really. There's a movie too? And a soundtrack?
What is going on?! What has he done to benefit this world in such an enormous way that he deserves all this attention? He's not a celebrity people. He's the president of the United States. Let's let him do his job and bring back all our troops like he promised and end all this fighting - then perhaps I'll go see this movie. Maybe I'll even fly to Frankfurt to see his musical!
Haha.
Haha.
Not so much.
The World Stops for No One
Hopefully, you've all heard about the massive earthquake that struck Haiti this week and all the disastrous consequences of that natural disaster that the people of Haiti are dealing with right now. There are hundreds of American citizens in Haiti, so of course the U.S. must deploy help to rescue people. However, though pessimistic of me...I asked myself. Why is it that hundreds of countries resent the United States for its wealth and whatever other reasons there are, but when they are in need, they look towards the United States to send money and aid to help them deal with their problems? I thought everyone was anti-U.S. Apparently not - since people still ultimately recognize the United States as a superpower in the world. I'm just saying.
Also, I notice that although several people are tweeting on Twitter, "Oh, those poor people in Haiti," or etc., the world still goes on. No matter how big the catastrophe, we must all move on with our lives and deal with whatever comes our way one day at a time. How depressing.
On the bright side, it might not rain tomorrow, my fellow citizens of San Jose! Yay for California weather.
Also, I notice that although several people are tweeting on Twitter, "Oh, those poor people in Haiti," or etc., the world still goes on. No matter how big the catastrophe, we must all move on with our lives and deal with whatever comes our way one day at a time. How depressing.
On the bright side, it might not rain tomorrow, my fellow citizens of San Jose! Yay for California weather.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Black. White. Gray. Yellow.
Let's face it. The citizens of America has all different kinds of heritages, cultures, and backgrounds. Whether we're black, white, yellow, or whatever else, we're all human beings, no?
Which brings me to my next point. Why is it that it's okay for a Democrat (ahem, Senator Harry Reid) who is the SENATE MAJORITY LEADER, I might add, to have made several racist comments in regards to President Obama? He made a lousy apology and I bet we're all just going to ignore it and the liberal analysts will somehow twist his words around to make it seem as if he wasn't being racist, he was just being...what was he being?
He was being racist. Bottom line. Since the more libral-oriented news networks pounced on Bush, McCain, and Palin, for every single minute mistake, I see that it's only fit that Senator Reid take the heat for a significant portion of time for his big blunder.
Let's all be treated equally now.
Which brings me to my next point. Why is it that it's okay for a Democrat (ahem, Senator Harry Reid) who is the SENATE MAJORITY LEADER, I might add, to have made several racist comments in regards to President Obama? He made a lousy apology and I bet we're all just going to ignore it and the liberal analysts will somehow twist his words around to make it seem as if he wasn't being racist, he was just being...what was he being?
He was being racist. Bottom line. Since the more libral-oriented news networks pounced on Bush, McCain, and Palin, for every single minute mistake, I see that it's only fit that Senator Reid take the heat for a significant portion of time for his big blunder.
Let's all be treated equally now.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
We Can Do It!
The entire focus on the news networks is still on President Obama and his reaction to the Detroit terrorist attack. Now, he has big plans to win the war against terror (wow, you admit there is a real war against terror that is looming over us) and to really protect the American people.
So...what were you doing the past year, Mr. President? Don't you think we needed extra protection then too? Oh no. Now that the whole world sees that your methods of achieving peace are completely useless and you almost had another 9/11 on your hands, you have to look like you really are trying to help the United States and be a good president. Does this mean you've forgotten about the huge Health Care reforms arguments? Distraction.
I just hope President Obama really follows through with his plans, since he hasn't really come through with all the big promises he made during his campaign in 2007/2008. Big man. Big ears. Big speeches. Empty words.
Yes. He does have big ears.
So...what were you doing the past year, Mr. President? Don't you think we needed extra protection then too? Oh no. Now that the whole world sees that your methods of achieving peace are completely useless and you almost had another 9/11 on your hands, you have to look like you really are trying to help the United States and be a good president. Does this mean you've forgotten about the huge Health Care reforms arguments? Distraction.
I just hope President Obama really follows through with his plans, since he hasn't really come through with all the big promises he made during his campaign in 2007/2008. Big man. Big ears. Big speeches. Empty words.
Yes. He does have big ears.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
No Blame Game
Yesterday at the gym, I was watching a segment on CNN in regards to the near-disaster incident on Christmas Day at the Detroit airport. They were talking about how President Obama isn't pointing any fingers at anybody and is instead looking to improve national security in the future. They continuously stressed the fact that President Obama was not upset at any one person and nobody would resign, but I never really heard Obama say that he, personally, accepted responsibility. I mean, yes, he kept saying that it was a complete systematic failure and that everyone was to blame as a whole. But he never really came forth to say that as the President of the United States, head of the executive branch, he also accepted a large part of the blame.
Executive Branch.
This means that this branch of the government deals with executing plans and making things happen with its approval, of course. So, in a way, of course Obama is also to blame. He may not have made the mistakes of not heeding warnings before the incident, himself, but he is the head of the government and the ultimate symbol of power. So...Yes, President Obama. I blame you, too.
Executive Branch.
This means that this branch of the government deals with executing plans and making things happen with its approval, of course. So, in a way, of course Obama is also to blame. He may not have made the mistakes of not heeding warnings before the incident, himself, but he is the head of the government and the ultimate symbol of power. So...Yes, President Obama. I blame you, too.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy New Year!
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday! It's finally 2010 - another decade come and gone.
Looking back on 2009, I can't really say much about the Obama presidency - it was his first year, after all. But in 2010, I hope to see big improvements.
Now people have no one to blame but our CURRENT government. Former president Bush already did his time in the limelight of shame and harsh criticism; now it's President Obama's turn. He has no choice but to directly deal with the terrorism issue now - terrorists. want. to. kill. us. Perhaps he will one day wake up one morning while residing at one of his many vacation spots and realize that we are dealing with terrorists who want to exterminate us and harbor feelings of hatred and antipathy towards us Americans. I don't know, it's just a thought. OR maybe we are dehumanizing our enemies, and they just want to be friends! Yes, we should invite them to the White House and make peace treaties. Not.
From Obama's random Nobel Peace Prize to his national security failures, I really do hope that we don't all die in 2010. No, I'm being dramatic, but seriously - I don't want to die if I get on an airplane. I'm just saying.
Breitbart.com says that "nearly half of the remaining 198 detainees [of Guantanamo Bay] are from Yemen, where the Christmas Day attack was planned" (Source). Obama's plan to shut down Guantanamo Bay is a bit behind schedule right now, but oh goodness! That many detainees are from the same place as the terrorists who tried to hijack another plane on Christmas Day of 2009? What a coinkidink. Oh well, we can't keep those poor innocent suspected terrorists locked up and being tortured now, can we? Even though they might know something about the crazy people who tried to blow up another plane. Who cares? Let's all be nice this 2010 =].
If we play nice with these people...we're all going to die.
=D Food for thought!
Happy New Year to you all~
Looking back on 2009, I can't really say much about the Obama presidency - it was his first year, after all. But in 2010, I hope to see big improvements.
Now people have no one to blame but our CURRENT government. Former president Bush already did his time in the limelight of shame and harsh criticism; now it's President Obama's turn. He has no choice but to directly deal with the terrorism issue now - terrorists. want. to. kill. us. Perhaps he will one day wake up one morning while residing at one of his many vacation spots and realize that we are dealing with terrorists who want to exterminate us and harbor feelings of hatred and antipathy towards us Americans. I don't know, it's just a thought. OR maybe we are dehumanizing our enemies, and they just want to be friends! Yes, we should invite them to the White House and make peace treaties. Not.
From Obama's random Nobel Peace Prize to his national security failures, I really do hope that we don't all die in 2010. No, I'm being dramatic, but seriously - I don't want to die if I get on an airplane. I'm just saying.
Breitbart.com says that "nearly half of the remaining 198 detainees [of Guantanamo Bay] are from Yemen, where the Christmas Day attack was planned" (Source). Obama's plan to shut down Guantanamo Bay is a bit behind schedule right now, but oh goodness! That many detainees are from the same place as the terrorists who tried to hijack another plane on Christmas Day of 2009? What a coinkidink. Oh well, we can't keep those poor innocent suspected terrorists locked up and being tortured now, can we? Even though they might know something about the crazy people who tried to blow up another plane. Who cares? Let's all be nice this 2010 =].
If we play nice with these people...we're all going to die.
=D Food for thought!
Happy New Year to you all~
